Still, it’s not easy to navigate life alone.
At the same time, different lifestyle choices are gaining more acceptance among society at large.
However, the lone wolves of the world still face stigmas surrounding their desires to spend time in solitude.
Onlookers may assume that someone has no friends if they are out alone
Humans are social creatures.
Why else would solitary confinement be considered a punishment?
Interacting with other humans is ingrained into society and into our minds.
The benefits of doing so are legitimate and have been studied at length.
Those who choose to be alone are not suffering any silent battles or sitting at home alone doing nothing.
Instead, they are pursuing passions and doing activities that they enjoy.
Some are focusing on their self-development, creativity, or spirituality.
Some just genuinely enjoy peace and quiet and find their alone time to be fulfilling (perPsychology Today).
Psychologists not only explain that people do genuinely enjoy spending time in solitude.
They have also explained the benefits of doing so.
This leads to more creativity.
Being alone can provide a mental reset if one is experiencing irritability or overstimulation as well.
“Being alone can be joyful and productive.
Empowering, even,” writes Emma Balter for theHouston Chronicle.
“I’m at my most productive and creative [when spending time alone].”
Balter goes on to explain that she does not identify as an introvert, as some may assume.
Being social and also enjoying time alone can coexist in one person.
Getting over the societal stigmas of choosing to spend time alone involves finding out where those stigmas come from.
This stems from the fact that most people care about how they are perceived by others.
Stigmas accompany activities society deems unacceptable to do alone.
So how do we overcome these stigmas and enjoy the full potential of alone time?
We can look at how in general, different lifestyles are gaining more public acceptance.
Championing that latter part is encouraged now more than ever.
Gen Z, in particular, ischoosing happiness, whatever that looks to the individual.
Getting some alone time may require a bit of thinking outside the box.
Try waking up early or taking a walk, as suggested byVery Well Mind.
Offering explanations allow friends and family to realize that you are not giving them the cold shoulder.
It’s nothing personal!
And perhaps those who do not spend any time alone should give it a try once in a while.
